CrossLinking

What is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines the use of UVA light and riboflavin eye drops to add stiffness to corneas which have been weakened by disease or refractive surgery. Cross-linking, which has been performed in Europe since 2003, is considered the standard of care around the world for keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery2.

    Corneal Cross-Linking

  • Creates new corneal collagen cross-links
  • Results in a shortening and thickening of the collagen fibrils
  • Leads to the stiffening of the cornea

Riboflavin

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is important for body growth, red blood cell production
and assists in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Its food sources include dairy
products, eggs, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, legumes, and nuts. Breads and
cereals are often fortified with riboflavin.

Under the conditions used for corneal collagen cross-linking, riboflavin 5’-phosphate,
vitamin B2, functions as a photo-enhancer which enables the cross-linking reaction to occur.

Ultra-Violet A (UVA)

UVA is one of the three types of invisible light rays given off by the sun (together with
ultra-violet B and ultra-violet C) and is the weakest of the three. A UV light source is applied
to irradiate the cornea after it has been soaked in the photo-enhancing riboflavin solution. This
cross-linking process stiffens the cornea by increasing the number of molecular bonds, or cross-links,
in the collagen.


Is CrossLinking Right for Me?

Patients over the age of 14 who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia
following refractive surgery should ask their doctor about corneal cross-linking.

Our practice is proud to offer patients in our practice the first and only therapeutic products for
corneal cross-linking which have been FDA approved to treat progressive keratoconus. This approval
offers an effective treatment for patients who, until recently, had no therapeutic options to limit
the progression of this sight-threatening disease.

Patient Brochure

Cross-Linking Video

Interest Free Financing Available!

Pasadena
Location

2619 E. Colorado Blvd Ste 100
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 793-3625

Glendora
Location

210 S Grand Ave Ste 106
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 335-0535

Montebello
Location

128 S. Montebello Blvd
Montebello, CA 90640
(626) 793-3625

DTLA
Location

1120 W. Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(626) 793-3625

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